Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
808. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the situation in relation to all aspects of agency carers as used by the Health Service Executive, to include recruitment, qualifications, supervision at work; if the Health Information and Quality Authority has any specific role in relation to carers; if he will consider giving it a responsibility in this area and generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30752/15]
View answerThe HSE uses private and voluntary providers mainly for the delivery of enhanced home support services where direct HSE services are not available. In 2012, the HSE introduced a procurement framework for external providers. This included quality standards in terms of governance & accountability, person centred care, complaints management, training and qualifications. Providers are monitored through Service Level Agreements and are required to provide a range of information in relation to the services provided. They are supervised through regular operational meetings and care plan reviews.
As of now the Health Information and Quality Authority's remit does not include home care services. My Department is currently considering how the quality of these services can be best assured so that service users can have full confidence in home care services, whether these be provided by the HSE or privately procured. I have instructed that this be progressed as a matter of priority.
